Hat-con formator



No. 6|9,a74. Patented Feb. 2|, |899.

c J. DIETRICH.

HAT GUNFDRMATUR.

(Application Bled Sept. 15, 1897.) (No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet l.

TH: N'onms PETERS ce'. Puo-wurm., wAsNmsmN, n, cy

No. 619.874. Patented Feb. 2|, |899. C J. DIETRICH.

HAT CONFORMATOR.

"Application filed Sept. 15, 1897.)

4 Sheets-Shed 2..

(No Model.)

No. 6I`9,874. I Patented Feb. 2|, |899."

' C J. DIETRICH.

HAT GUNFORMATUR.

(Application filed Sept. 15, 1897.|

(No Model.)

4 sheets-sheet s.

No. s|9,s74 l Patented ren. 2|, |899. c .L mETmcH.

HAT GONFORMATUB.

(Application filed Sept, 15, 1897.) (No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 4.

NITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

C JOSEPH DIETRICH, OF LAGRANGE, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO FRANKHAMILTON MITCHELL, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

HAT-CONFORMATOR.

SPECIFICATION forming part vof Letters Patent No. 619,874, datedFebruary 21, 1899. Application nea september 15,11%97. s111111 No.651,743. (No man.)

To all whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, CJOSEPH DIETRICH, a citizen of the United States,residing at La Grange, in the county of ACook and State of Illinois,have invented a new and useful Hat# Conformator, of which the followingis a specication.

My invention relates to improvements in a device for accurately shapingthe hat to the head of the wearer, termed a conformator, in which Iemploy two principal parts or members, one of which constitutes theconformator proper from the fact that it is designed to be fitted to thewearers head to accurately obtain the shape and all irregularities ofthe head, While the other part or member is the conform orhat-shaper,designed to be adj usted by engagement with the conformatorproper to accurately take therefrom the shape of the head and toconstitute a pattern on which the hat is to be blocked.

The primary object of my invention is to provide a simple constructionin which the parts move easily and freely to adjust and accommodatethemselves to the shape of the head, thus enabling the instrument to beused without cramping the head and causing inconvenience to the personduring the operation of obtaining in an accurate manner the exact shapeof the head.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved lockingmechanism in which all the movable elements are fixed and locked by theoperation of single adjusting devices in the conformator and the conformor hat-Shaper, thus effecting a saving of time in the operation of thedevice and preventing accidental displacement of the parts. This rigidlocking of the movable elements in my invention is especially desirablein the construction of the conform or the pattern-block on whichthe hatis placed and by which it is subjected to pressure for the purpose ofmaking the hat conform to the shape of the head.

Another object of the invention is to improve the instrument with a viewto simplifyingits construction, promoting its efficiency and durability,cheapening its manufacture, and facilitating the adjustment of themovable element-s.

Vith these ends in view the rst part of my invention relates to theconformator proper by which the shape of the head isvobtained and whichconsists in a suitable framework, a series of independently-movableplates carried by said framework and arranged thereon to present nearlyor substantially a continuous surface, a locking device foreach of themultiplicity of plates, and a single operating device arranged to movethe series of locking devices to cause them to bind on the slides ofsaid plates and lock all the plates simultaneously and in like mannerrelease all the locking devices to permit the plates to freely andindependently adjust themselves to the shape of the head of the personto be fitted.

The second part of the invention relates to the conform or thepattern-block by which the hat is to be given the shape obtained by theconformator, and which consists in a suitable framework, a series ofindependently-movable plates controlled by springs and adapted to bemoved inwardly against the tension of its springs by engaging with theplates of the conformator, a series of locking or binding blocks to beforced into close or tight frictional engagement with the slides forcarrying said plates of thelconform or hat-pattern block, and a singleadjusting device for simultaneously moving all the locking or bindingblocks to grip the plate-carriers or to release the same; and theinvention further consists in the novel combination of elements and inthe construction and arrangement of parts, which will be hereinafterfully described and claimed.

To enable others to understand my inven- JLion, I have illustrated thepreferred embodiment thereof in the accompanying drawings,

forming a part of this specification, and in which-Y Figure 1 is a planview of the conformator proper with the top plate of its casing or framepartly broken away to show part of the mechanism by which the series ofindependently-movable plates are carried, adjusted, and locked. Fig. 2is a vertical sectional view through the same on the plane indicated bythe dotted line 2 2 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a transverse section on theplane indicated by the dotted line 3 3 of Fig. 4, lookin g in thedirection of the IOO arrow. Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view ofpart of the conformator to show the single operating device. Fig. 5 is adetail view of one of the plates and slides of the conformator. Fig. 6is a detail view of one of the locking-blocks and its guide means. Fig.7 is a top plan view of the conform or hat-pattern block adapted for usein connection with the conformator to obtain from the latter the shapeof the head, which shape is to be imparted to the hat to be blocked onthe conform. Fig. S is a top view with the top plate removed and certainparts broken away. Fig. 9 is a vertical sectional view taken through themajor axis of the conform or hat-pattern block 011 the plane indicatedby the dotted line 9 9 of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a detail View showing oneof the plates, its slide, and the spring, and illustrating by dotted andfull lines the position of said parts. Figs. 11, 12, and 13 are views ofmodified forms of springs to actuate the slides and plates of theconformator and the conform. Fig. 14. is a detail view of the plate andslide for the conform shown by Figs. 9 and 10. l

Like numerals of reference designate corresponding parts in all thefigures of the drawings.

The conformator is designated in -its en.- tirety by the numeral 1, andthe conform or the hat-pattern block is indicated in its entirety by thenulneral 2.

I will iirst proceed to describe the construction of the conformatorshown by Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive, of the drawings. It consists of asuitable framework 5, a plurality of independent plates 6, a series ofslides or stems 7, by which the plates are movably fitted in theframework 5, a series of springs 8, mounted in the framework andengaging with said stems of the movable plates, a series oflocking-blocks 9, and a single operating device 10. The framework 5 isof general elliptical or oval form of a size sufficient to containwithin itself all of the plates 6 and allow the movement thereof toadjust themselves to heads of different sizes and shapes. The frameworkin the preferred embodiment of the invention consists of a top plate 12,a bottom plate 13, an inner rim 14, and an outer rim 15. The bottomplate, with the inner and outer rims, may be cast in a single piece ofmetal for simplicity and strength of construction, or said parts may beotherwise made and suitably united together; but the top plate 12 shouldbe detachably fastened in place on the framework to provide for itsready removal and to enable access to be easily had to the interiorworking parts of the conformator for inspection, adjustment, or repairs.I prefer to make this framework of aluminium, as well as other parts ofthe conformator, thus rendering the device strong and light in weight toenable it to be handled to good advantage. The described construction ofthe framework provides a casing in which are housed 0r contained thesprings 8, the locking devices 9,

and the inner ends of the slides or stems 7, thus protecting andconcealing the major portion of the working devices of the conformator.lThe inner rim of the casing has slots or openings 17 to receive thestems or slides of the plates. Each plate 6 is of concavo-con- Vexshape, and it is made integral with the slide or stem 7, which projectscentrally from the neutral face or side of the plate; but the shape ofthe plate and the particular method of making it with the stem arenon-essentials and may be changed without departing from the invention.The stem 7 of each plate 6 passes through the openings 17 of the casingor framework 5; but this stem does not extend to or through the outerrim of the casing or framework, which outer rim thus serves to protectthe ends of the stems. I provide a number of these plates 6 within theovalshaped or elliptical casing or framework 5,

and the plates are arranged and proportioned to present nearly acontinuous surface within the elliptical casing or framework, wherebythe conformator is adapted to fit properly to the head to have itsplates G conform to the shape of and partake of any irregularities inthe head of the person to whom the hat is to be fitted. The slidablestems of the plates are free to move endwise in the openings of thecasing or framework 5, so as to serve as guides for holding the plates 6in proper positions, and these plates are all independent of each otherto enable each plate to move or play without respect to the otherplates. The inward movement of the plate and stem within the ellipticalcasing or framework is arrested by means of a stop 19 on the stem 7,which stop abuts against the inner rim of said casing, and the stems andplates are all forced inward until arrested by the stops on the stems byemploying a series of springs.

rlhe number of springs 8 employed is equal to the number of the platesand the stems, and one spring is devoted to each stem and plate toenable each plate to act independently of all the other plates. I preferto employ fiat spring metal in making the springs, and these springs arearranged across the interior of the casing or framework 5, substantiallyas shown by Fig. 1, the outer ends of the springs being fastened to theouter rim of the casing, while the other free ends of the springs arearranged to abut or bear against the stops 19 on the stems of themovable plates 6.

With the stem of each movable plate (5 is combined a locking device 9,and these locking devices for all the series of stems of the plates areindependent of each other; but they are controlled by the singleoperating device to be operated in a manner to simultaneously adjust allthe locking devices to make them hold the stems or release the se riesof stems or slides, as desired. The locking devices for the slides orstems of the plates 6 consist of the blocks 9, which are slidablymounted in the framework or casing IOO IIO

5 to have a limited endwise movement therein sufficient to cause theblocks to bind against the stems or slides of the plates 6. Theseendwise-movable blocks 9 are arranged to bind against the stems 7 toenable the blocks to be moved by the impingement of one block throughthe intermediate. stem against the next adjacent block and so onthroughout the series of blocks up to a certain point. The movement ofthe blocks is effected by means of an operating-wedge 1l, which acts inconjunction with other Wedges 16, (see Fig. 4,) and this operating-wedgeis controlled bya lever 10. The wedges and the lever constitute what Iterm the single operating device for the purpose of adj listing all theclampingblocks for holding the series of stems or slides 7 in theiradjusted positions.

The clamping or locking blocks may be guided within the casing orframework in any suitable manner to limit them to endwise movementbetween the stems or slides; but in the drawings I have shown eachlocking-block as provided with a slot 20,in which plays anantifriction-roller 21,v that is held in position within the frame orcasing by a'screw 22. The described construction provides a simple andefficient means for slidably holding the locking-block in operativerelation to two adja'- cent slides of the head-plates 6. The wedges 16are slidably held in place on opposite sides of the operating-wedge 11by pins 16a, which pass through slots 16b in the wedges, toenable theWedges 16 to have the necessary movement to act against the adjacentstems or slides and to move the same against the next adjacent blocks.The operating-wedge l1 thus forces the stems and locking-blocks inopposite directions around the framework or casing of the conformatoruntil a point is reached on the structure diametrically opposite to thecontrolling-wedge, and thus the single operating device is arranged tocontrol all the locking-blocks and the stems of the device. The lever 10has an eccentric head 24, which is fulcrumed at 25 to a lug on theframework or casing 5,'and to this eccentric head is pivoted one endofthe link 26,` the other end of said link being attached to theoperating-wed ge 11, as shown. When the lever is turned to the positionshown by full lines in Figs. 1 and 4, the operating-wedge 11 is forcedinward to release all the blocks and stems; but by turning the lever tothe position indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 4 the operating-Wedge 1lis drawn outward to adjust all the blocks against the stems or slides inorder to hold the stems and the head-plates firmly in position. Toprovide for this endwise movement of the locking-blocks, it is necessaryto mount the slides or stems inthe inner rim of the casing or frameworkto permit certain of the stems to have a limited lateral play. Vhen theeccentric lever is turned to the position shown by dotted lines in Fig.4, it is thrown off its center and locked in place, thus holdin g theoperatin g-wed ge and the locking-blocks in the positions to which theyhave been adjusted.

In using the conformator it is placed upon and around the head to havethe plates 6 impinge against the head and to be moved inwardlyindependently of each other, so as to conform to the shape andirregularities in the contour of the head. The conformator may be usedwithout gripping the head and causing inconvenience to the person,because it is comparatively light and its plates 6 move freely in thecasing against the tension of the holdin g-springs 8. Previous toremoving the conformator from the head the operator moves the lever 10to adjust the wedge 11 and move the locking-blocks and stems, and thusthe stems of the plates 6 are held rigidly in place within the casing 5of the conformator. The conformator may noW be removed from the headwithout any danger of the plates 6 slipping out of place, because theplates are locked by the locking devices engaging the stems 7 and by thelever 10 being thrown off its center. The conformator thus has itsplates 6 adjusted to conform to the shape and irregularities of thehead, and said conformator is now in position to be used in connectionwith the conform or the hat-Shaper block 2 to impart to the latter theshape and irregularities of the head previous to blocking the hatthereon.

I will now proceed to describe the conform or the hat-Shaper block 2.(Shown by Figs. 7 to.10, inclusive, and by Fig. 14 of the drawings.) Inthe construction of the conform 2 I provide a frame 35, composed of aiiat continuou's top 36, a bottom plate 37, and a continuous rim orboundary-wall l38. The bottom plate and rim may be cast in a singlepiece of. metal, and they are of the oval or elliptical form tocorrespond to the conformator 1 in contour and dimensions. The frame 35is provided with the pendent feet or brackets 41, which are suitablyfastened to the frame 35, and said feet are also fastened in a suitableway to a bed or table 42, which has its upper face shaped or curved toconform to the contour of the rim of a hat which is to be blocked on theconform 2, whereby the hat-brim is prevented from getting out of shapewhen the hat is blocked on the conform 2. The conform has a series ofindependent movable plates 43, which cor-respond in number to the plates6 of the conformator 1, and these plates 43 of the cony form are adaptedto be adjusted by the plates 6 of the conformator to partake of theadjustment or position of said conformator-plates, and thereby give tothe Working surface of the conform 2 a contour which corresponds to theshape and irregularities of the head. The plates 43 of the conform arecurved substantially as shown by the drawings, so as to present longworking surfaces adapted to act to good advantage in shaping the hatadjusted on the conform. Each plate 43 is carried by or provided with aslide or stem 44, which is IIO 'The inner end of the stem 44 of eachmovable conform-plate 43 is provided with a suitable lug or shoulder 45,which abuts against the shoulder or ledge 39 of the top plate 36 tolimit or arrest the outward movement of the plate 43 with respect to theframe 35. The plates and their stems are normally forced or pressedoutward by t-he series of springs 4G, one of which is provided for eachplate 43 to enable it to act independently of all the other plates ofthe series or plurality providedon the frame 35 of the conform 2. Theflat springs 46 are of curved or bowed form, (see Figs. 9 and 10,) andthe outer ends of said springs bear against the plates 43, while theinner ends thereof are fastened to the inside of the boundary-wall 38 ofthe frame 35.

The series of plates 43 of the conform are all movable independently inthe frame 35 to be adjusted in accordance with the positions of theplates 6 of the conformator; but these independent movable plates 43 aredesigned to be held rigidly in position when once adj usted within theframe 35 of the conform in order to block the hat thereon.

The means which I employ for locking the stems 44 of the adjustableplates 43 of the conform or hat-block consists of a series of movablelocking-blocks 49, oppositely arranged wedges 50, disposed atdiametrically opposite sides of the conform-frame, an eccentric shaft5l, and connections between said shaft and the locking-wedges 50. Theselocking-blocks 49 are suitably supported and guided within the frame 35,between the stems of the adjustable plates 43. If desired, I may providethe locking-blocks with slots and with the guide rollers or pins, as inthe construction of the conformator shown by Figs. 1 and 4; but anysuitable lneans for guiding these blocks 49 may be employed. The shaft5l is journaled in suitable openings in the top and bottom plates of theframe 35 and in a sleevelike bearing 52 attached to and extendingupwardly from the top plate. The upper protruding end of this shaftcarries a suitable hand or operating piece 53, by which the shaft may beconveniently turned. To the lower end of this shaft 5l is rigidlyfastened the disk or plate 54, and between the disk or plate and thewedges 50 are arranged the links 55. The outer ends of the links arepi'voted to the wedges 50 by means of pins or screws 56, which passthrough and play in slots 57 in the lower plate 37 of the frame. Theinner ends ofthe links are curved or bowed, and

they are attached by pins or screws to the disk or plate atdiametrically opposite points, such attachment of the links to the diskor plate constituting the eccentric connection between the shaft and thewedges 50. When the shaft is operated to turn the disk in one direction,the links are forced outward and the wedges 50 moved radially in anoutward direction to release the locking-blocks; but a reverse movementof the shaft draws the links inward and moves the bowed parts thereofaround the shaft, as shown by dotted lines in Fig. '7, thus drawinginward the wedges 50 and causing them to adjust the lockingblocks 49 andthe stems 44 to lock all the parts firmly in place. Such inward movementof the links draws their curved ends around the shaft to move the linksand eccentric disk into a position where the links are held in lockedpositions, and thus all the movable parts of the conform or hat-block.

To use the conform or hat-Shaper block, it is necessary first to adjustthe eccentric shaft to release the locking-wedges 50 and thelocking-blocks, thus making free the stems 44 of the movable plates, andthese plates are now forced outward by their springs to the positionsshown by Fig. 9. The conformator having been previously adjusted to thehead to position the plates 6 thereof and the device l0 having beenoperated to lock the parts in their adjusted positions, the conformatoris v adjusted upon the conform 2 to bring the conformator-plates 6 incontact with the conformplates 43, whereby the conform-plates 43 aremoved to positions to correspond to the positions of theconformator-plates 6. The lockin g-eccentric is now turned to draw theclamping-plates upon the stems of the plates 43 of the conform, and theconformator may now be removed without disturbing the position of theplates 43, which are locked in positions to which they have been adjusted by the movable plates 6 of the conformator. Previous to applyingthe hat to the conform it is heated somewhat over a gas-jet or othersource of heat, and the hat is now placed with care over the plates 43of the conform or hat-Shaper block 2, after which the hat is allowed tocool and set on the conform in order to acquire the proper shape. Afterthe shaping of the hat has been e'ected it may be removed, and thelocking-eccentric may then be released to loosen the clamp and free theplates 43 to place the conform in condition for service again.

My invention enables a salesman to quickly use the conformator, toadjust the conform, and to shape the hat according to the contoursecured by the employment of the conformator. This saving of time is ofgreat importance when a salesman is vbusy in waiting on two or morecustomers. This invention also enables the shape of the head to beobtained with great accuracy, because the slides present nearly acontinuous surface about the head. They move freely in the frame, andthey may be locked firmly in place previous to ISO IIC

removing the conformator, all of which may be effected withoutinconvenience to the person.

I am aware that changes in the form and proportion of parts and in the'details of construction maybe 'made without departing from the spirit orsacriiicing the advantages'of the invention, and I therefore reserve theright to make such modifications as fairly fall within the scope of theinvention.

In lieu of an independent spring for each stem or slide of theconformator or the stem of the hat-block I may employ a continuousspiral spring to actuate all of the stems of the series used in eitherthe comformator or the hat-block. In Fig. 13 I have shown Va part of thehat-block or conform with a series of plates andstems and a singlecoiled spring operatively arranged or connected to control all the stemsand plates. In Fig. 11 I have shown a part of the conformator with itsplates, the stems or slides therefor, the locking-blocks, and acontinuous coiled spring 6l, which is arranged in operative relation tothe entire series of stems. In this construction (shown by Fig. 1l) thecoiled spring is housed within the frame or casing 5 of theconformat-or, and the inner ends of the stems or slides are providedwith the seats 63 to accommodate the continuous spiral spring. Thecontinuous spiral spring may be used to control the stelns and theirplates on the contraction principle; but this is not necessary, as saidcontinuous spiral spring may operate the stems endwise when lsaid springis expanded.

In lieu of a wedge for locking the series of blocks or slides in theconform and the conformator I may use an eccentric as a locking meansfor said blocks or slides. In the event of employment of alocking-eccentric it is placed between two adjacent slides or blocks,and it is provided with a handle extending outwardly a suitable distanceto be conveniently grasped by hand.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, anddesire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. A hat-conformator comprising a ringlike chambered frame, a series ofslides arranged in substantially radial positions in said frame to movetherein independently one of the other, and each provided at its end,within the large opening of the frame, with a contact-plate adapted torest on the head and to thrust the slide outwardly, two series oflocking-blocks slidably confined in the chamber of the frame to engageindividually with the independently-operated slides, and a singlecam-lever arranged externally on the ring-like frame, and havingoperative connections with the two series of locking-blocks tosimultaneously force the said two series of blocks in oppositedirections and move each block individually into locking engagement withone of the slides, whereby the operating device is accessible readily atall times and it operates by a single movementto force thelocking-blocks simultaneously into vfirm engagement with all the slides,substantially as described.

` 2. A hat-conformator comprising a ringlike chambered frame, a seriesof slides arranged in substantially radial positions within the framefor movement therein independently one of the other, and provided, attheir ends wit-hin the central opening of the frame, with the centralplates arranged to bear against the head and to thrust the slideoutwardly, springs within the chamber of the frame to normally impel theslides into the central opening therein, two series of locking-blocksslidably confined within the chamber of the frame in the intervalsbetween the slides for engagement individually therewith and with thecontiguous end blocks beveled reversely, a single adjusting-wedge fittedbetween the reversely-beveled end blocks, and a cam-lever arrangedexternally on the frame and connected with the adjustingwedge to movethe latter into or out of engagement with the end blocks of the twoseries of locking-blocks, as set forth.

3. A hat-conformator comprising a ringlike chambered frame, a series ofindependent radially movable slides tted in said frame, the series ofcontact-plates fast with the inner ends of the slides and lying withinthe large central opening of the frame to present a substantiallycontinuous surface therein, the slotted locking-blocks fitted in saidchamber of the frame in the intervals between the slides and eachconfined in place by a ixed guide which occupies the slot there in, anda single operating device mounted on the frame externally thereto,independently of the slides, and having operative connections with thelocking-blocks to move the latter simultaneously into firm engagementwith the slides, substantially as described.;

4. A hat-conformator comprising a ringlike chambered frame, the seriesof independent, spring controlled, radial slides iitted therein, twoseries of slidable locking-blocks coniined within the chamber of theframe out of the path of the spring or springs therein and withadjacentend blocks of the two series beveled in opposite directions, acam-lever fulcrumed on theframe externally therei to, a single adjusting-block interposed between the end blocks of the series, and a linkconnection between the cam-lever and the adj usting-block, substantiallyas described.

5. A conformator comprising a chambered casing having a central opening,a series of independent slides projecting into said open ing of thecasing and carrying a series of plates which present a substantiallycontinu ous surface within the casing, a series of slotted blocks fittedwithin the chamber of said casing to have movement transversely to andin locking engagement with thel slides, fixed guide devices playing inthe slots of said IOO IIO

blocks, and a single operating device connected to said slotted blocks,substantially as described.

6. The combination witha framework, of a series of slides or stemscarrying the plates, a series of locking-blocks, oppositely-disposedwedges arranged at diametrically opposite points on the framework andbetween said blocks, a shaft, and connections between the shaft and saidwedges, for the purposes described, substantially as set forth.

7. The combination with a series of slidable stems carryingr the plates,of a series of locking-blocks disposed between said stems,oppositely-arranged wedges between adjacent blocks, an operating-shaft,and eccentric connections between the shaft and the wedge, as and forthe purposes described.

S. The combination with aframework, and slides mounted therein to carrythe plates, of a series of locking-blocks between the slides,

oppositely-arranged wedges, a shaft having a disk, and links pivoted tothe wedges and eccentrieally connected by the disk to the shaft, as andfor the purposes described.

9. The combination of a frame having a slotted boundary-rim and ashouldered top plate, of a series of slides fitted in the slotted rim oflthe frame and provided with lugs to engage the shouldered top plate, aseries of locking-blocks, awedge or wedges, a shaft, and meansconnecting the wedge or wedges with said shaft, as and for the purposesdescribed.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own Ihave hereto affixedmysignaturein the presence of two witnesses.

C JOSEPH DIETRICH.

Witnesses:

WILLIS M. DIETRICH, W. CLARENCE HUNTER.

